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Selectboard retains ownership of unpaid lots; two properties temporarily exempted from deeding
Summary
The Stratford Selectboard was told the tax collector has eight lots eligible for deeding due to unpaid taxes; the board agreed to waive deed transfers on two parcels for now and directed staff to seek asbestos testing and demolition estimates for one property.
Maryann Lister, the town tax collector, told the Selectboard on Aug. 11 that she has eight lots that are subject to being deeded to the town for non-payment of taxes and that owners have a cutoff date to pay. "She has 8 lots that needed to be deeded to the town for non-payment," Lister said. The board reviewed RSA requirements and agreed to waive deeding on two of those properties for now.
The board heard related follow-up from Suzanne Goulet, a town staff member, who said a 2024-deeded owner inquired about buying back a property but did not complete payment. "Per the RSA and cannot be made with a payment plan and must be paid in full. The town is still the owner of these properties and the meters have been removed," Goulet said. She told the board the town will obtain estimates to test one property for asbestos and, if confirmed, move forward with demolition.
Why it matters: Deeding transfers title to the municipality when taxes go unpaid; retaining ownership affects maintenance responsibility and potential demolition costs. The board’s temporary waivers give owners additional time but leave the town responsible for properties left in municipal hands.
The board did not record formal vote tallies in the meeting minutes for the waivers; the minutes state the board "agreed to waive 2 of these properties for now." The town will pursue asbestos testing estimates and follow NHDES guidance as needed; Selectman Harry Juergens was asked to photograph a nearby brook to support state review of erosion concerns tied to the property work.
What’s next: Town staff will collect asbestos testing estimates and report back. Owners who wish to repurchase deeded property must comply with RSA requirements and pay in full, according to Goulet. The board also indicated planned warrant items for 2026 related to facility repairs and equipment replacement.
